Eurocopter adds Vietnam to Asia itinerary

For the December 2-19 tour, Malaysia and Thailand first on the schedule for both helicopters, the EC175 will be showcased in Vietnam.

The Franco-German-Spanish helicopter maker will hold the event on December 11 in coastal Vung Tau, the country’s oil and gas exploration hub.

A source close to the event who asked to not be named told VIR that the State-owned Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company was interested in the EC175, but would not say anything official until after the show.

Eurocopter is a leading service provider in Vietnam with a focus on the oil industry and tourism. It operates chopper bases in Ho Chi Minh City, Ca Mau province, and Con Dao Island just off the coast of Vung Tau.

The European Aviation Safety Agency has not yet issued a certificate for the EC175 but we expect to receive it in early 2014, the final step before its first three deliveries slated for around the same time. The EC145 T2 is also expected to receive its certificate and begin distribution early next year, reported Eurocopter.

During the Asia trip, the company will underscore its strategy of being in close proximity to its global network of customers. Its Malaysian showcase will also include a two-day symposium for the oil and gas sector in Kuala Lumpur.

The EC175 is configured for oil and gas airlifts and can seat 10. It is planned to set the bar for medium-sized twin-engine helicopters with a full range of applications, including oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP, and executive transport.

Eurocopter was established in 1992 and confirmed its position in 2011 as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 per cent market share in the civil and para-public sectors.